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| Senior ITAK leaders C. V. K. Sivagnanam and M. A. Sumanthiran met local party officials in Mannar recently. |
Former MP and Secretary of Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) M. A. Sumanthiran said that existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) should be repealed and there is no need to bring a substitute regulations like Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) to replace it.
Speaking at a meeting with local council members in Ampara, the former MP said that ITAK opposed the bill from outset since the proposed PSTA is detrimental to the political rights of Tamil speaking people.
Noting European Union (EU) demanded government to repeal the act in order to be eligible for GSP plus facility, Mr Sumanthiran said it is ironic that People’s Liberation Front (JVP) that consistently opposed to the PTA since it was used against its unsuccessful insurrections in 1980s came up with a more regressive bill compared to current PTA.
Under the proposed law, senior ITAK leader said even an ordinary police officer is vested with powers to arrest an individual under suspicion and wide range of similar powers are given to Tri- forces as well.
In addition, the proposed bill has an extensive definition of ‘terrorism’ including protests against government can also be interpreted as a terrorism related offense as well, the former MP said.
‘We have to oppose this bill at every possible way. Since Tamil speaking minorities communities are already facing various issues, the proposed bill, if enacted will put them under more difficult position,” Mr Sumanthiran said. (Northeastern Monitor/ November 2/2026)
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